Darlaston Soul Dayer

Not a lot on tonight but this weekend was slap bang in the middle of Halloween and Bonfire Night so inevitably a bit quieter. Rain earlier in the day too but those that had other things on or were put off by the weather missed a real treat. Third time for this promoter at this venue and consistently excellent music. 

No massive surprises from the earlier DJ's although Graham Bratt did one of the best sets I've heard from him. A few gems in all the playlists including Jackie Edwards, Darrow Fletcher, Roscoe Robinson. 

Was intending to go earlier but (as ever!) ended up staying to the end and I am glad I did - the last half hour was just astonishing; one after another every single one total quality, not overplayed just brilliant: Larry Allen, Jimmy Ruffin and the absolute highlight for me the Sheppards - How Do You Like It. It's so bizarre, you get these total life affirming moments, when you hear something so extraordinary that you wonder how you have managed to live so long without hearing this amazing sound? when the world is otherwise awash with mediocrity and repetition. It always seems to be at about 1:30 in the morning in some randomly located old civic building; there's only the hardcore survivors left, it's dark, you're tired, everyone normal is asleep, your feet hurt and suddenly something like that comes on and in that instant for two and a half minutes there's some kind of higher connection and you realise that your purpose on the planet is to be here, now, listening to this. So five stars for that record at that time in that place!

Floor is always very good and the facilities and bar are also excellent. 

Drew one DJ. 

I rarely give 5 stars - I've noticed that often reviews are by people connected with the event who inevitably give 5 stars to everything. I am trying to be objective.